OUTDOORS: Weekly fishing report, March 25

The fish report is weekly. Its accuracy depends on marina
operators, tackle shops and local fishermen we contact. Anglers
catching large fish should send the information to Outdoor News
Service, P.O. Box 9007, San Bernardino, CA 92427, or telephone
909-887-3444, so it can be included in this report. Faxes can be
sent to 909-887-8180. E-Mail messages or fishing reports can also
be posted to Jim Matthews at odwriter@verizon.net.

This report is published by 11 daily newspapers in Southern
California each week. Frequently it is edited for space. A complete
version is posted on the Outdoor News Service web site (
www.OutdoorNewsService.com). The updated report is usually posted
by Thursday morning. The fish report is copyrighted and any use or
reposting of the report, or portions of the report, is prohibited
without written permission. Posting of links to the fish report on
the Outdoor News Service web site is allowed.

The Cal TIP number, the Department of Fish and Game poacher
hotline, is 1-888-DFG-CALTIP. The DFG's Internet web page is
located at the following address: www.dfg.ca.gov.

MATTHEWS' PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. Lake Isabella is the hands-down top pick for this week. Not
only is it the site of the $200,000-plus 21st Annual Isabella Lake
Fishing Derby, but the largemouth bass bite has simply exploded
here. Two Bakersfield anglers caught and released 54 bass over the
weekend, including 31 fish over six pounds, and the best fish was a
nine-pounder. But itÆs the trout action (over 15,000 fish were
planted in the past week), and the chance to catch one of 1,000
tagged trout worth cash for the modest $20 entry fee that make this
the hot spot to be this weekend. For more information on the derby,
go to derby.kernrivervalley.com or you can call 866-578-4386 for
details. For an update on the bass bite, call BobÆs Bait in
Bakersfield at 661-833-8657.

2. Lake NacimientoÆs crappie action exploded in the past week
and the bite has been nothing short of spectacular. Not only are
anglers getting 25-fish limits, but the fish are all like they came
out of a cookie cutter, weighing between 1 1/2 and two pounds.
While good anglers are getting the fish on the small jigs, using
small minnows makes it easy for even novices to get a limit. For an
update on the bite, call the Nacimiento Resort at 805-238-1056.

3. You didnÆt think Diamond Valley would drop completely out of
the top three picks, did you? Between its largemouth bass and
crappie action, it remains the number one pick closer to home for
most Southern Californians. The warm weather and improving moon
phase has made the bite get better each day over the past few days.
You decision is tough: fish for slab crappie (a new lake record was
set this week) or big bass. For updates, call the marina at
951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait and Tackle 951-658-7410.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: Little change here. There continues to be good action at
all of the planted trout lakes in Southern California, with Los
Angeles County urban waters getting DFG fish at least every two
weeks and San Bernardino County lakes stocked at least once a week
(and sometimes twice). The private lakes, Hesperia, Corona, Santa
Ana River Lakes, and Irvine Lake, are all getting weekly fish and
have been very good. In San Diego County, Lake Cuyamaca remains the
best bet in this region with limits showing in less than an hour
for good anglers, and it also received DFG fish this week.

BLACK BASS: The largemouth bass bites have pretty much broken
wide open across the region and the perfect weather conditions
continue. Most places had tougher fishing this past week with the
sight-fishing tougher. Blame the moon phase. Will a full moon next
Tuesday, the bite will just get better everywhere by the day. Top
prospects? You can just about fish any water that has bass right
now, but Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Isabella, and El Capitan are
probably the three best bets in the region. Casitas, Castaic, Lower
Otay, Hodges, Perris, Skinner, Cachuma, and Puddingstone are all
nearly as good. The smallmouth action on the Colorado River has
been very good from Havasu south, and the largemouths are catching
up. CachumaÆs smallmouths are also picking up. Further up on the
Central Coast, Nacimientio, Lopez, and Santa Margarita are all very
good, too. The spots are particularly good at Naci.

STRIPED BASS: Diamond Valley and Castaic are still the top bets,
with some very good catches out of both this past week. Pyramid,
Silverwood, the aqueduct near Taft, and Pyramid have all been
producing a fair number of fish, and all three bites have shown
improvements again this week. On the Colorado River, things are
mostly slow with the exception of a few small fish in Havasu in the
main lake channel and at the Palo Verde Diversion Dam near Blythe
where some fish pushing 20 pounds have been caught.

PANFISH: Of real note are some exploding crappie bite. No. 1 is
the action at Nacimiento on the Central Coast, but there are some
real quality fish showing at Diamond Valley, Casitas, and the Buena
Vista Lakes near Taft. Isabella looked to be starting to turn on,
and there continue to be fledgling bites at El Capitan, Hodges, and
Otay. Those last three just muddling along. The tilapia bite at the
Salton Sea improved again this week with better conditions and some
bigger fish finally showing in the bite. Redear bites are also
turning on in several places. Top pick is the hot action on fish
around a pound in Topoc Gorge back bays on the Colorado River. Also
watch the action at Piru. Bluegill are just starting to take off at
a lot of the waters in the southern San Joaquin Valley.

CATFISH: Hesperia Lake has been very good, and certainly better
than anyplace else for cats. Hesperia had a another plant last week
to keep this action hot. A few cats are showing at Corona Lake and
Santa Ana River Lakes, the channel and flathead action was also
picking up along the whole lower Colorado River, especially in the
warmer backwaters and irrigation ditches. The Colorado River may be
the best bet of all with the continued forecast warm weather and
the coming full moon. Sturgeon, which need to be mentioned
somewhere, are pretty good at SARL, Corona, and Hesperia Lake.

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN WATERS

SILVERWOOD: Good trout action with DFG trout plants last week
and three weeks ago. A lot of holdover rainbows are also being
caught. Best action has been for trolling working around the marina
and into Cleghorn and Miller canyons. Shore anglers also getting
fish in these areas on floating baits, small spinners, small jigs,
and trout Power Worms. Adam Welsh, Hesperia, caught a 5-12 rainbow
to top off his limits fishing Power Worms from the rocks at the
boat dock. Michael Timmons, Redlands, had two rainbows to four
pounds, while Steve Cole, San Bernardino, had a limit to trout to
3-8 on rainbow Power Bait. Other species are slow to fair, with a
few stripers showing at the spillway, dam, and ski beach on
trout-like swimbaits. A few largemouth also starting to show,
mostly on plastics or jigs fished in deeper water, and a few
catfish also being landed. Alex Gomez, Hesperia, caught a 5-8 cat
in Cleghorn on a shrimp-nightcrawler combo. The park is closed
every Wednesday and Thursday through March to save State Parks
money. The lake remains open to walk-in fishing on these days, but
there is no access to the campground, day-use parking areas, or
marina. Information: marina 760-389-2299, state park 760-389-2281,
Silverwood Country store 760-389-2423.

BIG BEAR LAKE: The warm weather has really turned on the trout
bite with quite a few limits of holdover fish reported over the
past week, and the DFG also planted last week. Top spots have been
Boulder Bay, Windy Point, Stanfield Cutoff, and Juniper Point with
the best action for anglers tossing floating baits into 12 to 20
feet of water. The lakeÆs marina and launch ramps open April 1. The
two big events coming up. The May Trout Classic is May 15-16, and
the Fishing for 50K event is June 5-6. Fishing information: Big
Bear Sporting Goods 909-866-3222.

HESPERIA LAKE: Excellent fishing this past week with trout,
catfish, and sturgeon all showing in good numbers. Inflated
nightcrawlers, shrimp, and the marshmallow and mealworm combo have
been working best for the cats and sturgeon. Excellent sturgeon
action with many five to 10-pound fish reported, with some bigger.
Bill Valdez, Hesperia, caught a 35-pound sturgeon and Eddie
Alvaredo, Azusa, landed a 28-pound sturgeon. Both were fishing with
nightcrawlers. Steve Ellinger, Riverside, hooked into a 15-pound
sturgeon using shrimp. Good catfish bite with a few big fish
reported as well. Bob Derringer, Antelope Valley, hooked into a
24-8 catfish on mackerel. Sonny Nelson, Rancho Cucamonga, scored an
18-4 catfish on the marshmallow and mealworm combo. Very good trout
action continues with lots of fish over eight pounds reported.
Issac Gaylord, Barstow, caught the top trout at 13-12 on Power
Bait. The lake will be planted with trout and catfish this week.
Lake hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the night session from 1 p.m.
to 10 p.m. Cost is $15 per angler. Cost will be reduced to $10 on
Mondays but price remains the same the rest of the week and no
other discounts apply to the Monday special. Information:
800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.

JESS RANCH: Trout action was fair to good this week. Power Bait
or inflated night crawlers doused with attractant or jigs have been
working best. Most trout are in the two pound range with some
bigger. Best action after 10 a.m. Hot spots included the pump
house, theánorthern and eastern shores of lake 3, and the northern
and eastern shores of lake 2. Nick Perez, La Puente, caught a
five-pound rainbow on a white Lip RipperZ while fishing the
northern shore of lake 2 near the bridge. The lake is open Friday
through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it is stocked with trout
each week on Friday from its own hatchery. Lake information:
760-240-1107 or www.jessranchlakesnews.com.

MOJAVE NARROWS: Trout action was just fair this past week. Top
trout caught during the derby was just 3-4 but there was fish to
nine pounds caught just after the derby. Denise Sarno, Mentone,
caught a six-pound trout on a pink crappie jig at the top lake.
Best bite has been on Power Worms, Power Bait, and nightcrawlers.
County plants are weekly now through the rest of the season, and a
DFG plant went in this week. The lake also received a special plant
of trophy trout for the derby. Other species mostly slow with a few
bass and catfish showing. Due to the recent flooding in the park,
Horseshoe Lake has been temporarily closed due to some damage it
received, however, Pelican Lake is remains open and will continue
to be planted. For lake information: 760-245-2226.

INLAND VALLEY LAKES

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

CUCAMONGA-GUASTI: Fair to good trout action with fish averaging
about one pound. Best bite has been on floating baits, small lures
and jigs, and trout plastics. County plants are every week now
through the rest of the season, and there were DFG plants this week
and two weeks ago. There was also a plant of trophy trout last week
from Mt. Lassen. Information: 909-481-4205.

PRADO: Excellent trout action. County trout are planted every
week the rest of the season and DFG plants this week and three
weeks ago. There was also a bonus plant of trophy trout that went
in three weeks ago. Green and rainbow Power Bait has been the best
bet with nightcrawlers also working well. A few catfish are showing
each week but the action is mostly slow. Bass action has been
mostly slow but should pick up as the weather continues to warm up
and the bass move in to spawn. Information: 909-597-4260.

YUCAIPA: Good trout action. County plants are every week now
through the rest of the trout season and DFG plants went in two and
four weeks ago. The lake also received a special plant of trophy
trout three weeks ago from Mt. Lassen. Mostly slow other species.
Lake information: 909-790-3127.

GLEN HELEN: Excellent trout action. County plants are going in
weekly now through the rest of the trout season and DFG trout
plants went in two and four weeks ago. The lake also received a
special plant of trophy trout three weeks ago from Mt. Lassen. Kim
Chan, Ontario, caught five trout to 3.5 pounds on Super Dupers from
the small lake. Won Chin, Rancho Cucamonga, landed five trout to
3.2 pounds on Power Bait fishing the small lake. Some catfish and
carp have been showing recently as well. Slow other species. The
final derby of San Bernardino County Regional ParkÆs five events
will be held here Saturday, April 10, with the largest trout
eligible for 50 prizes ranging from $35 to $500 in value. The derby
is from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and registration is $15 per angler (in
addition to a $10 vehicle entry fee). Information:
909-887-7540.

MOUNT BALDY TROUT POOLS: The heavily stocked pools are open
every Saturday and Sunday. No fishing license is needed.
Information: 909-982-4246.

SECCOMBE LAKE: DFG trout plant this week. Information:
909-384-5233.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

DIAMOND VALLEY: Despite a trout plant last week, action was just
fair for both trout and stripers. However, the largemouth action
continues to improve, with many fish in the shallows, and the
panfish bite is starting to turn on as well. Top spots for stripers
have been the inlet tower and east dam, and big, trout-like
swimbaits have been the best lures. Trout have been caught as
shallow as three feet below the surface and anglers fishing light
line are having the best results. The largemouth bass action
remains excellent, but some of the shallow-water fish have been
spooky. Light line and smaller baits are the ticket to get the
bigger scores when sight-fishing. Most of the better fish are still
coming from eight to 15 feet of water. Michael Hernandez, Hemet,
caught two largemouth bass at 7.5 and 4.97 pounds using
nightcrawlers and fishing the saddle dam and the east dam. The
panfish action is picking up with many two-pound crappie reported
this past week as well as a new lake record crappie. Jesse Mena,
Hemet, landed a 3.47-pound crappie which broke the lake's previous
record. Mena was fishing with a white crappie jig near the saddle
dam. Catfish slow. Anglers are reminded of the new 25-fish combined
limit on crappie and all sunfish (redear and bluegill). The limit
is 25 for any combination of the species. For general lake, launch,
and fishing information, call 800-590-LAKE, the marina at
951-926-7201 or www.dvmarina.com, or Last Chance Bait and Tackle
951-658-7410 or www.lastchancebaitandtackle.com.

PERRIS: The largemouth bite has been fair to good this past week
with most fish up shallow and a lot of bass on beds. Best action
off lots 11 and 12 or Benasconi Beach on nightcrawlers and
plastics. Top bass was a 9-12 landed by William Jordan, Moreno
Valley, on a nightcrawler in Sail Cove. The redear bite is good
with the best action on redworms or nightcrawlers in the marina of
north side of the island. Joe Hernandez, Corona, caught a 2.2-pound
redear on a nightcrawler. Bluegill and crappie slow to fair, but a
2.3.-pound crappie was reported. Carp have been seen in very good
numbers spawning all along the shallows at the east end of the
lake. Some trout continue to show but the bite is just fair. The
park is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday through March to save
State Parks money. The lake remains open to walk-in fishing on
these days, but there is no access to the campground, day-use area,
or marina. Information: marina 951-657-2179, state park
951-940-5600.

SKINNER: Good to excellent largemouth bass bite with the fish
stacked up in the shallows along the south shore and east end of
the lake. Many fish on beds and plastics and jigs are the best bet.
Don Spencer, Corona, landed bass at 7.9, five and four-pounds, all
on Brush Hogs along the south shore. Trout are still good for boat
anglers fishing the east end. Darrell Walker, Temecula, landed a
limit of trout with his top fish at 7-8, all on worms. Stripers
remain just fair with the best bite in deep water along the south
shore or at the dam on anchovies. Nothing better than about three
pounds reported. Some bluegill have started to show near the south
shore and ramp No. 2 on nightcrawlers, and a few cats are being
landed by striper anglers. Information: store 951-926-1505 or
marina 951-926-8515.

ELSINORE: The crappie are starting to take off with more and
more fish moving into the shoreline structure by the day. William
Johnson, Elsinore, caught three crappie averaging about 1-8, an
11-8 catfish, and a 7-8 bass on Wednesday fishing a yellow and
white crappie jig. The best bite has been morning and evening with
the mid-day bite pretty dead. Few wiper reports this week, but
anglers are reminded they have an 18-inch minimum size restriction.
Starting in early April, boat rentals will be available for the
first time through the new WilliamÆs Bait, Tackle, and Boat Rental
out of Elsinore West Marina. For more information, contact
WilliamÆs Bait, Tackle, and Boat Rental at 951-642-0640 or Elsinore
West Marina at 951-678-1300.

CORONA LAKE: There were at least 34 limits of trout reported,
and most of those stringers consisted of brown trout planted last
week. They were mostly in the two to three pound range, but many
fish at four pounds or better anchored many catches. Top brown
weighed in at the tackle shop was a five-pounder that topped a
10-fish stringer that weighed in at 21 pounds total landed by Gus
Cineros, Corona. Four pound browns to stringers by Gus Torrealba,
Corona, and his group who landed 23 browns on Thomas Buoyants
fishing from a boat, and the total catch weighed in at 27 1/2
pounds. Lucy Ortega and Shon Roberts, both Riverside, had nine
browns for 27 pounds, including their four-pounder, and all were
taken on Z-Spoons. Mike Garcia, Camarillo, landed five browns for a
total weight of 14 1/2 pounds on jigs. Sturgeon were also planted
last week and the top fish reported was a 19-pounder caught by
Mario Canales, Perris, while Chris Roseli, Burbank, caught a 13-5
sturgeon. Orlando Valenzuela, Moreno Valley, caught a five-pound
keeper sturgeon. There will be three trout plants this week for the
biggest stocking of the season. There will also be 24-hour fishing
this Friday and Saturday nights. Information: 951-277-4489 or
www.fishinglake.com.

EVANS LAKE: DFG trout plants this week and three weeks ago. Some
bass are starting to be caught by anglers tossing plastics and
small jerk baits near shoreline structure.

RANCHO JURUPA: Both DFG and country trout plants are expected to
go in this week, and the bite has been pretty fair on the rainbows.
Inflated nightcrawlers, Power Bait, and small jigs or trout worms
have been the best bet. A few catfish are starting to show, too.
Jesse Quintana, Riverside, landed a 2-1 cat on a æcrawler, while
Isabel Shultz, Brea, had two cats to 1-12. There is a new bait and
tackle shop at the lake. Information: 951-684-7032.

FISHERMANÆS RETREAT: No report. Information: 909-795-2411.

ANGLERÆS LAKE: The lake is currently closed.

REFLECTION LAKE: Good trout bite with Power Bait and
nightcrawlers working best. Catfish action has picked up and is now
good. A few bass are showing, but nothing to match last weekÆs
nine-pounder. Bluegill fair. Information: 951-654-7906 or
www.reflectionlakerv.com.

JEAN'S CHANNEL CATS: Good trout action, mostly on one to
two-pound fish. Best bite on most trout dough baits and
nightcrawlers. Plants twice a month through April. Still a few
catfish showing on chicken liver with mackerel. The lake is open
Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on all Monday
holidays. Information: 951-679-6562 or 951-259-2021.

SAN JACINTO MOUNTAIN WATERS

LAKE HEMET: Fair trout action since the DFG trout plant two
weeks ago, with the best bite near the dam for shore and boat
anglers. Dawson and Madeline Smith, both San Diego, landed 16 trout
this past weekend, fishing both days, and their best fish was a
two-pounder. Chuck Gotz, Camp Pendleton, had a two-pounder rainbow.
Lee Ann Priest, Yucca Valley, caught a limit of rainbows while her
uncle and cousin were skunked. All reported catches were on Power
Bait with rainbow and orange the top colors. Lake open daily from 7
a.m. to 10 p.m. Information: Lake Hemet Market 951-659-2350,
campground 951-659-2680.

FULMOR LAKE: No recent DFG trout plants. Information:
951-659-2117.

ORANGE COUNTY

SANTA ANA RIVER LAKES: Brown trout and sturgeon were planted
last week, in addition to the weekly rainbow plant, and there were
be three rainbow trout plants here this week with the most rainbows
of the season stocked. The brown trout action has been good on
Thomas Buoyants or Roostertails with fish to four pounds reported.
Most of the browns were from two to three pounds with a few bigger
fish. Tramel Wilson, Los Angeles, landed five browns that weighed a
total of 15 pounds fishing nightcrawlers at the Toad Road and his
big fish was a 4-4. William Martinez, Montebello, had a five-fish
limit that went 10 pounds, and his top brown was a four-pounder.
Jay Fuqua, Huntington Beach, used Roostertails to land his four
browns, including one at four pounds. On the sturgeon front, Atreus
Chanolen, Fontana, landed a 14-3 sturgeon, while Tim McAroy,
Bellflower, caught a 14-even. Ray Sells, Anaheim, landed a
seven-pounder. While many of the sturgeon landed at the lakes are
caught by trout anglers on floating baits or inflated
nightcrawlers, shrimp has consistently been one of the best baits
to use if you are targeting the sturgeon. The warm weather has also
brought out the catfish, with several decent fish landed over the
past few days. Best fish was a 10 1/2-pounder caught as part of a
mixed trout and catfish stringer of nine fish that weighed 24
pounds caught by Jose Fernando, Placentia, on a marshmallow-meal
worm combo or nightcrawlers. Scott Callahan, Tustin, landed a
seven-pound cat on a nightcrawlers. There will be 24-hour fishing
this Friday and Saturday evenings. Private boats are no longer
allowed at Santa Ana River Lakes due to fears of invasive quagga
mussels being introduced into the water system. Information:
714-632-7830.

ANAHEIM LAKE: Closed. Anaheim Lake only opens when Santa Ana
River Lakes is closed for cleaning and maintenance. Information:
(714) 996-3508 or www.fishinglakes.com.

IRVINE LAKE: The trout action has been hit and miss this past
week. Some anglers are reporting easy limits while others are
struggling to land any. Most of the trout caught have been in the
one- to four-pound range with a few bigger fish showing. Jim
Sampson, Trabuco Canyon, landed a 7-14 rainbow trout on a Power
Mouse at the south shore. Allen Swickered, Signal Hill, caught a
6-8 rainbow on a Rapala at Boat Dock Cove. The largemouth bass bite
remains very good with the fish in the shallows on beds and showing
on plastics and reaction baits. Catfish are still fair in the creek
mouths, while the crappie are slow. There is also a decent carp
bite for those targeting them. Fishing in the Kids Lagoon has been
very good. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Lake
information: 714-649-9111 or www.irvinelake.net.

LAGUNA NIGUEL LAKE: No report. The lake is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
daily. Information: 949-362-3885 or www.lagunaniguellake.com.

LOS ANGELES AREA LAKES

CACHUMA: Trout action has been good since the 4,000-pound plant
last week. Trout have been hitting a variety of baits and lures but
nightcrawlers seem to be the best bet. Matt Rolkur, Santa Maria,
landed 15 trout fishing all over the lake. Bass action is fair to
good for both largemouth and smallmouth with quite a few fish
moving into the shallows to fan out beds. Plastics and jigs have
been working well for the bass. Bob Suito, Santa Maria, caught nine
bass on jigs fishing mid-lake. Also a few crappie showing at the
island. Catfish and redear slow. For quagga mussel and the boat
launching information, log on at
http://www.sbparks.org/DOCS/Cachuma.html. The marina is closed and
boat rentals have ceased. The marina isnÆt expected to be reopening
in the near future, but the boat launch is still open. For fishing
information updates, anglers should now call the general store at
805-688-5246.

CASITAS: The trout action has been good with a lot of trollers
getting limits of rainbows working 15 to 20 feet of water with
Needlefish. There was a 5,000-pound plant last week and another
5,000 pounds went in on Wednesday this week, with 2,000-pounds of
those being held in a net pen near the Santa Ana ramp for this
SaturdayÆs KidÆs Fishing Derby and the other 3,000 pounds planted
at the Coyote ramp. Most of these trout were in the one 1/2 to
two-pound range, with some bigger. Mark Hansen, Ojai, had a limit
of rainbows topped by two-pounder. Wells Hall, Santa Barbara,
caught his limit of trout with his best at 2-8. Dick and A.C.
Barnett, both Ojai, limited on trout to three pounds. All four
anglers were trolling Needlefish. The bass bite also remains good
with most fish in 15 feet of water or less and plastic worms and
nightcrawlers have been the top baits. Ladd Hardy, Rancho
Cucamonga, caught a 6.6-pound bass and a plastic. A few redear are
showing on nightcrawlers, usually incident catches by bass anglers.
Also a few crappie being caught, and those coming in are quality
fish topping two pounds. Private boats are allowed at Casitas, but
boats will be inspected and face a 10-day dry dock requirement
because of fears of quagga mussel infestation. The lake is open
every day, including all holidays from dusk to dawn. Information:
805-649-2043.

CASTAIC: Another DFG trout plant is slated for this week, and
the bite has been pretty fair after a plant two weeks ago at the
West Ramp. Best bite on Power Bait and small spinners. Striper bite
broke wide open this past week with boat anglers getting a lot of
one to three-pound fish on fly-lined anchovies and sardines in 25
to 35 feet of water at the buoy line. Some bigger fish to eight
pounds or better coming for shore anglers tossing bait or swimbaits
near the launch ramp and dam. Scott Rickman, Richmond, landed an
18.6-pounder on a homemade plug at the main dam, while Brian Nabe,
Valencia, caught a 14.7-pounder on a Huddleston. Largemouth bass
are moving shallow, but they have been difficult this past week
with the off moon phase. Best action early and late in the day. The
bass bite in the lagoon has slowed, too, with fewer and fewer
swimbait fish as the trout population disappears. Other species
slowish. Information: 661-775-6232 or www.CastaicLake.com.

PIRU: All of the bites are really starting to take off here,
with good action on the largemouth bass and crappie. Most of the
bass are staging just out of the shallows with males up tight on
warm mornings. Best action still in 12 to 20 feet of water on
plastics and jigs with some anglers culling through 10 to 15 fish
to get limits. Most fish from one to two pounds but the winning
fish in this past weekendÆs bass derby was a 9.83-pounder. Crappie
are showing on small jigs tipped with bait or Crappie Nibbles in 15
to 30 feet. Also improved redear and bluegill action on
nightcrawler pieces in the same depths. Catfish still slow. Trout
are very slow with no plants since Jan. 18, and none likely anytime
soon. There will be a night bass tournament April 24. Information:
front gate at 805-521-1500, x500 or www.camplakepiru.com.

PYRAMID: The striper bite has been much better this past week
with quite a few fish to seven pounds reported. Most are still
coming in on anchovies or sardines fishing in the main body of the
lake, but thereÆs also a decent bite on swimbaits that look like
shad or rainbow trout. Trout have slowed way down with no plants
since Jan. 25. The largemouth and smallmouth bass bites are
improving with the warm weather, with the males moving up into the
shallows to fan out beds. Best action for both species in 15 to 30
feet on plastics and jigs. There are bass tournaments nearly every
weekend for the next six weeks. The redear, bluegill, and catfish
are all slow. Information: Emigrant Landing entrance booth,
661-295-7155, concession 661-257-2790, or Forest Service
661-296-9710.

QUAIL LAKE: No reports.

PUDDINGSTONE: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago. Good
action on largemouth bass on plastics with more and more fish
showing in shallower water. A few redear are also showing again.
Slow other species. Information: 909-599-8411.

SANTA FE DAM: DFG trout plants this week and two weeks ago. The
bass action has improved, but only a few bluegill and catfish
reported. Information: 626-334-1065.

BARRETT: The lake will reopen May 1 and tickets will go on sale
through Ticketmaster 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 13. Lake information:
619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat
reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.

HODGES: Just fair bass action this past week and only a few
catfish and crappie reported. There were 201 anglers who landed 179
bass, 15 crappie, and 10 channel cats. Lake information:
619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat
reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.

EL CAPITAN: Very good largemouth bass bite with 171 anglers
reporting 378 bass to 7.8 pounds with that fish landed by Brian
Bowman, San Diego, on a Senko. Shane Crocket, Lakeside, landed a
7.1-pounder on a Zoom crawdad. There were also 27 crappie, one
redear, and one blue catfish landed. The lake is open Thursday
through Monday for fishing. Rental boats are available Saturday and
Sunday only. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or
www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations:
619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.

LOWER OTAY: The bass bite is very good with 253 anglers landing
389 bass, and the top fish was a 10.4-pounder caught by Stuart Lee,
Spring Valley, on a plastic worm in the Otay Arm. There were also
25 bluegill to 1.3 pounds, 17 crappie to 2.3 pounds, and one blue
catfish at 16.7 pounds caught by Charles Nailon, San Diego, on
chicken live at the east buoy line. The lake is open on a
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. The lake only has boat
rentals on Saturday and Sunday. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or
www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations:
619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.

UPPER OTAY: There were 17 anglers who caught 21 bass to 4.7
pounds and 41 bluegill to 1.3 pounds here this past week. The lake
is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday for catch-and-release
fishing (only artificial lures with single, barbless hooks),
sunrise to sunset. The road to Upper Otay is open. Lake
information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/.
Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.

MURRAY: Fair bass action with some quality fish. This past week
79 anglers landed 53 bass and one bluegill. The top bass was a
11.3-pounder caught by Richard Weygandt, Lakeside, on a plastic in
Padre Cove. Dennis Burkett, La Mesa, caught a 7.75-pounder. The
lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. DFG trout
plant this week. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or
www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. The lake is no longer renting
boats of any kind.

MIRAMAR: Slow to fair trout action. The 75 anglers checked
reported catching 47 rainbow trout. Most recent plant was March 17.
The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. The lake is no
longer renting boats of any kind, and the launch ramp is closed due
to low water levels. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or
www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/.

SUTHERLAND: There were 114 anglers this past week who landed 195
bass to 3.75 pounds and 12 crappie to 2.15 pounds. Lake is only
open Saturday and Sunday. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or
www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations:
619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.

WOHLFORD: Very good trout fishing. Willow Cove and the east end
have been the top spots and green Power Bait or inflated
nightcrawlers have been the top baits. Michael Asmus, San Marcos,
caught a six-pound trout on rainbow Power Bait in Boat Dock Cove.
Arley Watkins, caught a 5-8 rainbow on a nightcrawler fishing
Willow Cove. The largemouth action is starting to really pick up
with the warmer weather. A few nice bass were reported this week as
well. Anton Neumann, Escondido, caught a 9.05-pound largemouth on a
swimbait at Bass Point. Mark Larson, San Diego, got a 4-12 bass on
a plastic worm at Bass Point. Some crappie are starting to show,
but they are only in shallow water in the very early morning.
Shortly after sunrise the crappie move back into deeper water.
Jesus Mayo Jr., Escondido, caught a 2.1-pound crappie on a trout
jig in Willow Cove. The lake is open seven days a week. There are
four bass boat-type rentals available. Quagga mussel fears still
have a private boating ban. Information: 760-839-4346 or
www.wohlfordlake.com.

DOANE POND: DFG trout plant last week.

DIXON LAKE: Very good trout action. The buoy line and Whisker
Bay have been the top spots with many limits reported from those
areas in the early morning. Nightcrawlers, Power Bait, mini jigs,
pink and orange Power Worms, Roostertails, Kastmasters, and Thomas
Buoyants have all been producing fish. Largemouth bass action was
just fair. Some males are starting to move into the shallows but
most of the fish are holding at around 15 feet of water. Warmer
weather could trigger the bass to really take off. Slow other
species. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.

POWAY: Very good trout action with anglers fishing the back side
of the lake and near the boat dock. Eric Gilliland, Rancho
Bernardo, landed an 8.75-pound trout on a Rapala fishing mid-lake.
Barbara Gattuso, San Diego, caught a 6-8 trout on a Thomas Buoyant
at Boulder Bay. Randy Vonnordheim, Poway, hooked into a six-pound
rainbow on a Rapala at the log boom. Some small bass are showing
and the bite should improve as the weather warms up. There is still
a decent catfish bite in Boulder Bay. Richard Peterson, San Diego,
landed a 7-8 catfish on mackerel at the Log Boom. Bluegill slow.
Lake information: 858-668-4770, tackle shop 858-486-1234.

JENNINGS: Excellent largemouth action this past week. The bass
are in 25 feet of water and are bedding deep and sticking tight to
cover. The trout fishing perked back up this past week for shore
anglers. Several limits were reported at Eagle Point, Cactus Patch,
and the concrete steps. Boat anglers did not enjoy the same success
that the shore anglers experienced for trout. The catfish action
was hit and miss. The cats have been on the move and the best bet
has been to fish deep or in the brush. Information: 619-390-1300 or
www.lakejennings.org.

MORENA: Very good trout action with many fish over five pounds
reported this past week. David Abott, San Diego, caught the top
trout at 9-9. The largemouth bite is still slow but fish are
starting to move into the shallows. There is an excellent carp bite
with many fish in the five to 10 pound range showing for both fly
fishermen and anglers throwing bait. Some catfish are showing on
mackerel and chicken liver. Anglers are reporting much better
success for the catfish using lighter line and weight setups.
Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger
station 619-579-4101.

CUYAMACA: Very good trout action with Power Bait and
nightcrawlers working best. Jake Howard, San Diego, caught a
4.7-pound trout on a nightcrawler at Heron Point. Tom Gill, Vista,
caught a limit of trout totaling 12 pounds on inflated
nightcrawlers and Power Bait at Lone Pine. DFG plant this week.
Other species are still mostly slow. Private boats are allowed on
the lake again, but the boats must be sprayed for quagga mussels by
a high-pressure heated wash prior to entering the lake. The cost is
$10 for the spraying and it lasts for multiple trips to Cuyamaca as
long as the boat is not used in another reservoir. The
decontamination wash down station is for all craft and items used
in the water, including boats, motors, kayak, canoes, float tubes
and waders. Information: 760-765-0515 or www.lakecuyamaca.org.

HENSHAW: No report. Information: 760-782-3501.

COLORADO RIVER

FLOW INFORMATION: Reservoir elevation levels and flow releases
for the entire lower Colorado River are available at this web site
with information updated hourly:
www.usbr.gov/lc/region/g4000/hourly/rivops.html.

LAKE MEAD: Mostly slow action with a spotty striped bass action
with fish in deeper water at the dam. Still some decent action in
Hemenway, Boulder Bay, Gypsum Wash, the 33 Hole, and dam on cut
anchovies, sardines, shad-like lures. Most fish under four pounds.
But a few bigger fish are showing after trout plants. Slow catfish
action reported on anchovies or shrimp. The largemouth bass action
is slow to fair off the points in deeper water.

WILLOW BEACH: Trout bite is fair to good with weekly plants.
Best action on salmon eggs, Power Bait, worms and Super Dupers.
Slow striper action with a few fish showing in an evening or early
morning bite on big, trout-like plugs. Information: Willow Beach
Resort at 928-767-4747.

LAKE MOHAVE: Overall slow striper action but a few more fish are
starting to show in the Cottonwood area and main lake upstream from
the dam. Best bet is to slow-troll or drift with anchovies or
sardines. Bass and bluegill also very slow throughout the lake, but
a few more largemouth are starting to show. Catfish are slow on cut
baits. Information: Cottonwood Cove at 702-297-1464, KatherineÆs
Landing at 928-754-3245.

LAUGHLIN-BULLHEAD AREA: The trout bite has been very good since
TuesdayÆs plant this week. This is the last of the monthly plants
made at Davis Camp and the SportsmanÆs Access between October and
March. Each plant consisted of 4,000 fish averaging 12 inches. The
trout bite has been best from the casinos all the way down to
Rotary Park. Jesse Valdez, 6, Bullhead City, had a limit of five
rainbows averaging about a pound each on Power Bait. Rex Sandoval,
Bullhead City, had a 2.16-pound rainbow on a Roostertail on
Wednesday this week. Other species are slow, but a few stripers are
starting to show. Chris Cale, Bullhead City, landed a 3.05-pounder
on an anchovy south of town. Other species still slow, although
bass are starting to move in the backwaters and river edges
preparing to spawn. An April 50-50 Derby has been set up to benefit
Special Olympics. Entry is $12 per category (stripers, catfish, and
trout). Information: Riviera Marina at 928-763-8550.

NEEDLES AREA: Very light fishing pressure. There is a slow to
fair smallmouth bass bite in the main river from Needles south to
I-40, mostly on small cranks. Slow striper action, with the best
bite early in the morning on fish under two pounds, and very few of
those. Catfish slow, too. Information: Needles Marina at
760-326-2197.

TOPOCK AREA: Topoc Gorge below the I-40 bridge is really
starting to take off for largemouth, smallmouth and redear. The
back bay are four degrees warmer than the main river and the
one-pound redear are whacking nightcrawlers. The bass have been
best on plastics with the fish moving onto beds in good numbers.
Jeff Burnham, Larkspur, Colo., landed a four-pound largemouth on a
six-inch curly-tail plastic this week. Even a few rainbow trout are
being caught in the gorge. Topoc Marsh has also been good for bass,
with the North Dike area best spot. Also still a decent crappie
bite in the marsh at Catfish Paradise and South Dike, but most of
the fish are around a pound or less and showing on live minnows or
Roadrunner jigs. Still only a few stripers showing in the main
river. Topoc Marsh can be accessed by boat at North Dike, Catfish
Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. Information: PhilÆs Western Trader
at 928-768-4954 or Capt. DoyleÆs Fun Fishing at 928-768-2667.

HAVASU: The largemouth and smallmouth bass bites are very good
with a lot of fish already up on beds. A two-day bass event this
past weekend took 36 pounds (10 fish) to win -- over a 3 1/2-pound
average. The fish are best on plastics, swim baits, and small jigs
with a lot of 1 1/2 to three pound fish. The stripers are mostly
slow with most of the fish being caught showing in the main lake
over the old river channel in 30 feet of water around schools of
shad. Best bite on slow-trolling anchovies or bait still-fished.
Redear are starting to show in decent numbers up in the river in
the sun-warmed back waters. Channel catfish, flatheads still mostly
slow. Information: Bass Tackle Master (formerly AnglerÆs Pro Shop)
at 928-854-2277.

PARKER STRIP: The action has been improving over the past week
with better catfish and smallmouth bass action. The cats are
showing in most of the pools on cut baits, while the smallmouth
bass are along the rip rap and starting to whack small cranks and
swim baits. Bluegill and redear are slow in backwaters and quiet
water in the main river. Few flathead reports.

BLYTHE: The largemouth bass action is really starting to pick up
all along the lower river, especially in the backwaters and
lagoons. There have been fewer smallmouth reports, but they are
also improving in the main river, mostly in the river rip-rap. The
striped bass bite at the Palo Verde Diversion Dam has improved with
some decent fish to nearly 20 pounds. The catfish bite is also
pretty good with a lot of channels in the area canals, ditches, and
backwaters, fewer in the main river. Also some flatheads starting
to show. Bluegill, tilapia, and crappie have all been slow.
Information: B&B Bait 760-921-2248.

PALO VERDE: The catfish bite in the backwaters and main river
has been fair to good on cut baits, but still not a lot of
flatheads showing. May be more a factor of fishing pressure than
lack of action. The largemouth bass action has really improved in
the past week with a number of good catches reported, especially in
the backwaters. The smallmouth bite has also been pretty decent in
the main river. Information: WalterÆs Camp 760-854-3322 Thursday
through Monday.

PICACHO AREA: A few cats and largemouth are showing, but still
very light fishing pressure.

MARTINEZ LAKE AREA: Improving bass and catfish action.
Largemouth bass are fair to good on plastics and live bait. Channel
catfish and flatheads are both improving but the bite is still
spotty with the channels better than the flatheads. Few crappie and
bluegill yet. Information: 928-783-9589 Thursday through Monday or
www.martinezlake.com.

YUMA AREA: Bass action is fair in the main river and pretty fair
in river backwaters on minnows and plastics. Channel catfish are
fair and improving, but flatheads remain mostly slow.

LOWER DESERT WATERS

SALTON SEA: The tilapia bite has improved steadily with the warm
weather and some very good catches are now coming from the sea,
including some bigger fish to two pounds or better. Most of the
fish are still under 3/4-pound, but more and bigger fish are
starting to show. Best action still on nightcrawler pieces fished
on or just off the bottom. Free kayak tours are being run beginning
at noon each Sunday. Naturalist Fredda Stephens guides the two-hour
tours, and the park has 15 kayaks for use. Call the visitor center
at 760-393-3810 to reserve a kayak, or you can bring your own canoe
or kayak and attend. Fishing information: Salton Sea State
Recreation Area ranger station 760-393-3052.

BRIDGEPORT REGION: The East Walker remains very low and the bite
is very tough. What little action reported is on midges and caddis
nymph patterns with a few streamer fish. No big few and few anglers
are fishing the Nevada stretch. This is a catch-and-release water
open year-around. Information: KenÆs Sporting Goods 760-932-7707 or
www.kenssport.com.

MAMMOTH AREA: The upper Owens River and Hot Creek, both open to
year-around catch-and-release fishing. Hot Creek has been pretty
fair on midges and small mayflies patterns with some dry-fly
action. The Upper Owens is also tough with bigger fish concentrated
in a few pockets, but some good flurries of activity. Information:
The Troutfitter at 760-934-2517 or Performance Anglers at
760-924-2181.

BISHOP AREA: Pleasant Valley Reservoir has been fair to good and
there was DFG plants this week and three weeks ago. The Wild Trout
section of lower Owens River has had a good mid-day BWO-emerger
bite, especially closer to the dam. Owens Gorge fair for small
browns. The Lower Owens hasnÆt been planted for three weeks, but
all of the streams in southern Inyo County (open for the early
trout opener) received fish this week, including Cottonwood
Independence, Shepherd, Symms, and Tuttle creeks along with Diaz
Lake. Long Pine Creek got trout last week. Information: Sierra
Drifters Guide Service 760-935-4250, CulverÆs 760-872- 8361,
BrockÆs 760-872-3581.

WESTERN SIERRA

LAKE ISABELLA: Trout action has continued good and the last
plants of 15,000 penned fish go into the lake this week for this
weekendÆs (Saturday through Monday) 21st Annual Isabella Lake
Fishing Derby. This event has over $200,000 in potential tagged
fish prizes this year. For more information go to
www.derby.kernrivervalley.com. Some surface action for fly anglers
in the mornings, but most of the action is on floating baits or
trolled lures. The largemouth bass bite broke wide open this past
week with a lot of quality fish. Two Bakersfield anglers caught and
released 54 bass over the weekend, including 31 fish over six
pounds, and the best fish was a nine-pounder. The bass have been on
plastics, cranks, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits. Also some improving
catfish action with a pretty fair bite, mostly in the North Fork
arm and mostly on frozen shad. A few crappie starting to show
again, too, but still light fishing pressure. Information: BobÆs
Bait 661-833-8657.

KERN RIVER: All the usual plant spots in both the upper and
lower river will get DFG trout this week, including the stretches
from Fairview Dam to Riverside Park in the upper river and from
Sandy Flat to Lower Richbar in the lower river. The action has been
excellent and there has been an unusual number of quality trout to
five pounds or better. Best action on salmon eggs and crickets for
the planters in both the upper and lower section. The flyfishing
above Kernville remains tough, but there has been daily improvement
in the bite with the better weather. Still best to fish small
mayfly nymph or midge patters (size 16 to 20), or a No. 10 stonefly
under an indicator. Information: Kern River Fly Shop 760-376-2040
(or www.kernriverflyfishing.com) or James Store 760-376-2424.

AQUEDUCT NEAR TAFT: There continues to be a good bite on
keeper-sized stripers, but no real monsters have been reported this
past week. The 24- to 26-inch fish are mostly showing on blood
worms, sand worms, and sardines, with live minnows also an option.
Not a lot of fish being reported on lures right now. No catfish
reported. Sal Lvcatero, Bakersfield, landed a two-pound crappie
fishing a grub fishing a canal near Wasco. Information: BobÆs Bait
661-833-8657.

HART PARK LAKE: The bluegill bite is really starting to take off
on wax and meal worm, and the bass action has been pretty good as
the fish move shallow to spawn. They are best on plastics and
nightcrawlers. Trout are slowing down and the last plant of the
season was two weeks ago, but a few still showing on dought baits.
Carp are starting to show in good numbers on homemade dough baits
or Powder Bait.

TRUXTUN LAKE: The carp bite has been very good on Powder Bait
with fish to 15 pounds reported in the past week. Bluegill and bass
are both improving daily with the warm weather and are pretty good.
Some crappie are also starting to be caught here. DFG trout plants
two and four weeks ago, but this bite is slowing with only a few
fish on garlic Power Bait or nightcrawlers.

RIVER WALK PARK: A few bass are starting to show on minnows and
nightcralwers, and the carp action is also starting to turn on with
homemade dough baits and Powder Bait the best bets. The bluegill
bite is breaking wide open on waxworms and meal worms. Still a fair
bite on trout after DFG plants two and four weeks ago, but this is
slowing rapidly.

MING LAKE: There is a good carp bite here on Powder Bait or
other dough bait recipes, and the bass action is good on brush hogs
as the fish move tight into the shallows to spawn. Also a fair
number of bluegill on wax worms. The trout bite is fair after DFG
plants two and four weeks ago. Still a few showing on garlic-doused
Power Bait or nightcrawlers.

BRITE LAKE: DFG trout plant two weeks ago. No reports.

BUENA VISTA LAKES: The crappie bite has been pretty good with a
lot of quality fish up to two pounds reported. The best action has
been on small minnows fished early and late in the day or at night.
The bluegill action is starting to take off, and more and more
catfish are being reported on cut baits with the warmer weather.
Robert Bell, Bakersfield, landed a 5-8 cat on chicken liver this
past week. The trout action has slowed, but a few are still coming
in. Information: BobÆs Bait 661-833-8657.

WOOLLOMES LAKE: The bluegill bite is pretty good on red worms,
meal worms, or wax worms, and more and more bass are showing on
plastics in the shallows. DFG trout plants two and four weeks ago,
but that action has slowed way down.

SUCCESS LAKE: Fair to good bass action, but trout are just fair
after plant last week. Some bluegill and catfish also starting to
show. Information: 559-781-2078.

KAWEAH LAKE: DFG trout plant last week with a fair bite. The
bass and redear are really starting to take off with both moving
shallower, preparing to spawn. Information: 559-597-2526.

CENTRAL COAST LAKES

SAN ANTONIO: No report. Information: 805-472-2818.

NACIMIENTO: The crappie action has been spectacular over the
past week with 25-fish limits common, even for novice anglers, if
they are fishing small minnows. The best part? The fish are all
from 1-8 to two pounds. Add in an excellent spotted bass bite, and
good white bass action in the narrows, and you have one of the best
fishing spots in the state. Even a few catfish starting to show.
Information: 805-238-1056 or www.nacimientoresort.com.

SANTA MARGARITA: The bass bite is really starting to take off
with a lot of fish flooding into the shallows. Plastics and small
reaction baits are getting the most fish. A few crappie are showing
on small jigs, too. The marina store is open Wednesday through
Sunday. Information: 805-438-1522.

LOPEZ: Excellent bass bite with the fish all over the shallows
in a full-on spawn mode. Lots of 1 1/2 to two-pound fish, but a
number of quality fish also landed this past week. The crappie bite
is also good with a lot of one-pound class fish showing on small
jigs in Mallard Cove, the rangerÆs boat house, and Strawberry
Flats. Few other reports. Information: 805-489-1006.

TROUT PLANTS

Barring adverse weather, water or road conditions, the following
lakes and streams, listed by county, will be restocked with
catchable-size rainbow trout from the Department of Fish and Game
hatcheries this week. For updates in Southern California and the
Eastern Sierra Nevada, you can call the DFG recording at
562-594-7268, or for updates in the Western Sierra, you can call
559-243-4005, x183. For trout plants statewide, you can visit the
DFG's web site at
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/fish/Hatcheries/FishPlanting/index.asp.

LONG RANGE YELLOWFIN: While the long range boats on the big tuna
grounds arenÆt seen any super cows, there continues to be a very
good bite on 140 to 160-pound yellowfin at wahoo. The Royal Polaris
reported in this week with 28 yellowfin and 40 wahoo landed on
Monday. The Red Rooster III just returned with a good catch of the
same size fish.

SAN DIEGO TWO-DAY ROCKFISH: The 1 1/2 and two-day boats running
out of San Diego and fishing Mexican waters off Colonet and San
Martin are seeing excellent rockfish action, with a lot of quality
cows and reds. There are also some yellowtail, bonito, and
barracuda on these trips.

CORONADO ISLAND UPDATE: While the yellowtail bite slowed at the
Coronado Islands over the weekend, the action was back up rockinÆ
and rollinÆ on Wednesday with most of the boats at the island
reporting 50-plus on the ætails for the 10 to 15 anglers aboard
these boats. There has also been a pretty good pick on the bonito
here along withg a few barracuda.

SAN CLEMENTE PICKY: The handful of boats making the run to San
Clemente Island are seeing a pick on the yellowtail with only a few
fish here or there, but the back-up plan has been to sack limits of
rockfish and catch some real quality calico bass in a pretty good
bite. The Freedom is one of the few boat regularly making this
run.

CATALINA SEABASS: Catalina Island continues to pump out a few
white seabass for the six-pack charters and private boaters each
week. Part of the problem is that while thereÆs still squid there,
the candy bait has been a little tough to get. The good news is
that the calico bass and sheephead salvage most of these trips even
if the seabass are absent. On Monday, the Options was at Catalina
with six anglers and they landed three seabass, a halibut, 36
calicos, 10 sheephead, a bonito and two sargo. On Wednesday, the
anglers on the Spectra were still fishing late in the day but
already had three seabass. Both of those charter boats are out of
Pierpoint Landing.

NEARSHORE ACTION: There is improving halibut action all along
the coast as the big flatfish move inshore to spawn. There have
been more and more halibut showing in San Diego Bay, out in front
of Long Beach, off Dana Wharf, and other traditional halibut spots.
ItÆs not hot yet, but with the coming full moon and grunion runs,
this bite could really take off. Until then, thereÆs still a very
good bite on rockfish from Santa Barbara to San Diego, and a pretty
far pick on the calico and sand bass.